HomeMy WebLinkAbout061322as01JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Mark McCauley, County Administrator
FROM: Greg Brotherton
DATE: June 13, 2022
SUBJECT: PRESENTATION AND POTENTIAL ACTION re: Jefferson Land Trust
Grant Application to the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Jefferson Land Trust will present an update on Land Trust activities in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor and
elsewhere and request feedback to inform their July, 2022, grant application to RCO.
ANALYSIS:
Sara Spaeth from Jefferson Land Trust will review three current projects with the Jefferson Land Trust:
A Riparian Habitat grant for acquisition of a 156-acre property on Salmon Creek
A State Farmland Preservation grant for purchase of conservation easements on two
farms at the head of Quilcene Bay
An Urban Wildlife Habitat grant for further acquisitions in the Quimper Wildlife
Corridor
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Commissioners listen to presentation and ask any questions, give feedback and consider other potential
actions.
REVIEWED BY:
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Mark McCaul , County Administrator Date
JEFFERSON LAND TRUST
JLANDTRUEFFEPSON
ST
April 7, 2022
Subject
Helping the community preserve open space, working lands and habitat forever
1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend WA 98368
360.379.9501 info@saveland.org www.saveland.org
Notice of Property Acquisition in Jefferson County
RCO Grant Application #22-1416C
Honorable Commissioner Eisenhour:
I am writing to inform you that Jefferson Land Trust is applying for a grant through the Washington Wildlife
and Recreation Program (WWRP) Riparian grant category to permanently protect property located in
Jefferson County. If awarded, this grant funding would contribute critical funding for Jefferson Land Trust to
acquire a 155-acre property with 1 mile of Salmon Creek located south of the head of Discovery Bay. This
project provides a an important opportunity to preserve a missing link of critical Salmon Creek riparian
habitat on the mainstem and on 6 tributaries, building on previous efforts on the part of numerous partner
organizations and agencies that have been focused on protecting and restoring habitat for threatened
Summer chum and other salmonid species in the Salmon and Snow Creek watersheds. Jefferson Land Trust
has also submitted grant applications to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and to the Jefferson County
Conservation Futures program for this important project.
State law, RCW 79A.15.110, requires that we notify the local legislative body of our intent to apply for a state
grant to acquire real property from the WWRP, administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office
(RCO). This letter is your notification. The law states that the local legislative authority may, at its discretion,
submit a letter to the RCO identifying its position with regard to the acquisition project. As you may know,
Jefferson Land Trust has been collaborating with local partners Jefferson County, WSU-Extension, Jefferson
County Conservation District, the Food Co-op, North Olympic Development Council, state agencies, the Navy,
and many more to protect farmland throughout Jefferson County since the early 2000s. Our grant
applications in 2022 are Jefferson Land Trust's next steps in continuing efforts to protect working lands, local
economy, and habitat within our county. If you choose to send a letter to RCO, they will be made available to
the governor and the state legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted as part of the RCO's
capital budget request. A supporting letter from you could make a big impact on the success of our RCO
application for protecting this critical one -mile stretch of Salmon Creek.
The law also states that we must "confer" with local officials on this acquisition. And to meet grant program
deadlines, we must complete this prior to July 13, 2022. Please let me know who the appropriate contact(s)
is/are so we may open a dialogue.
Enclosed is the application project description, location map, and parcel map of the proposed project. The
geographic envelope of the proposed project is also enclosed.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information about this acquisition proposal.
I can be reached at 360-643-0570 or sspaeth@saveland.org.
Sincerely,
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Jefferson Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt, private corporation. 4"ON °"
Director of Conservation and Strategic Partnerships, Jefferson Land Trust
For reference:
Ruck Protect Description
Jefferson Land Trust is applying for the WWRP Riparian grant program funds for the permanent protection of
important riparian habitat in the Salmon Creek watershed, located at the head of Discovery Bay. The Salmon and
Snow Creek Estuary is the most intact of its type on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is the unquestioned stronghold of
the ESA listed Strait of Juan De Fuca summer chum salmon. This project continues the successful protection and
restoration efforts conducted by Chumsortium partners since 2001. Jefferson Land Trust will permanently protect
approximately 156 acres with nearly 1 mile of riparian habitat on Salmon Creek which is spawning grounds for
threatened summer chum, coho, and winter steelhead, as well as habitat used by fall chum and cutthroat trout, and
other wildlife through fee simple acquisition. Riparian buffers on six tributaries to Salmon Creek will also be
protected and the riparian habitat will be improved with conifer plantings. This project aims to protect and restore a
parcel that was identified through previous protection efforts by Chumsortium partners and is adjacent to
properties protected with conservation easements held by Jefferson Land Trust, and properties protected through
WDFW and Land Trust ownership at the head of Discovery Bay.
RCW 79A.15.110
Review of proposed project application.
State or local agencies or nonprofit nature conservancies shall review the proposed project application and confer with
the county or city with jurisdiction over the project area prior to applying for funds for the acquisition of property under
this chapter. The appropriate county or city legislative authority may, at its discretion, submit a letter to the board
identifying the authority's position with regard to the acquisition project. The board shall make the letters received
under this section available to the governor and the legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted under this
chapter.
RCW 79A.15.010
"Confer" means a dialogue between project sponsors and local county and city officials with the purpose of early review
of potential projects. The dialogue may include any matter relevant to a particular project, which may include but need
not be limited to: Project purpose and scope; project elements; estimated project cost; costs and benefits to the
community; plans for project management and maintenance; and public access.
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For informational purposes only. All
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JEFFERSON LAND TRUST
Helping the community preserve open space, working lands and habitat forever
1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend WA 98368
360.379.9501 info@saveland.org www.saveland.org
March 30, 2022
Subject: Notice of Property Acquisition in Jefferson County
RCO Grant Application #22-1408C
Honorable Commissioner Brotherton:
I am writing to inform you that Jefferson Land Trust is applying for a grant through the Washington Wildlife
and Recreation Program (WWRP) Farmland Preservation account to permanently protect property located in
Jefferson County. If awarded, this grant funding would allow acquisition of conservation easements on two
adjacent farm properties, one of approximately 50 - acres and the other on approximately 65-acres, located
at the head of Quilcene Bay. These easement acquisitions are intended to protect two of the largest historical
farms in the Quilcene Bay, preserving prime farmland soils and spawning habitat for threatened salmonid
species in Donovan and Jakeway Creeks. Jefferson Land Trust seeks to protect the Humbleberry and Schmidt
Farms, to ensure its availability for agricultural productivity in our county, in perpetuity.
State law, RCW 79A.15.110, requires that we notify the local legislative body of our intent to apply for a state
grant to acquire real property from the WWRP, administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office
(RCO). This letter is your notification. The law states that the local legislative authority may, at its discretion,
submit a letter to the RCO identifying its position with regard to the acquisition project. As you may know,
Jefferson Land Trust has been collaborating with local partners Jefferson County, WSU-Extension, Jefferson
County Conservation District, the Food Co-op, North Olympic Development Council, state agencies, the Navy,
and many more to protect farmland throughout Jefferson County since the early 2000s. Our grant
applications in 2022 are Jefferson Land Trust's next steps in continuing efforts to protect working lands, local
economy, and habitat within our county. If you choose to send a letter to RCO, they will be made available to
the governor and the state legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted as part of the RCO's
capital budget request. A supporting letter from you could make a big impact on the success of our RCO
application for protecting these important farms at the head of Quilcene Bay.
The law also states that we must "confer" with local officials on this acquisition. And to meet grant program
deadlines, we must complete this prior to July 13, 2022. Please let me know who the appropriate contact(s)
is/are so we may open a dialogue.
Enclosed is the application project description, location map, and parcel map of the proposed project. The
geographic envelope of the proposed project is also enclosed.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information about this acquisition proposal.
I can be reached at 360-643-0570 or sspaeth@saveland.org.
Sincerely,
r
Director of Conservation and Strategic Partnerships, Jefferson Land Trust
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Jefferson Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt, private corporation. 4"ON °"
For reference:
Quilcene Farms Protect Description
Jefferson Land Trust is applying for grant funds to purchase conservation easements on the Humbleberry and
Schmidt Farms located in Jefferson County, and work with partners to conduct restoration activities on two
salmon bearing streams. The purpose of these acquisitions is to permanently preserve the prime agricultural
soils on two adjacent historical working farms located at the head of Quilcene Bay by preventing subdivision
and eliminating the estimated four remaining development rights. Conservation values include Farmland of
Statewide Importance and Prime Agricultural soils; Donovan and Jakeway Creek riparian salmonid spawning
habitat and natural wetland; agricultural infrastructure and market accessibility; and scenic open space. The
farms are located approximately 1 mile to the NE of the town of Quilcene and are adjacent to other
permanently protected fish habitat, farmland and working forestland properties. The easements will help
permanently preserve approximately 115-acres of working farmland, 2,000 feet Jakeway Creek, and
approximately 650 feet Donovan Creek and allow for restoration and enhancement activities with project
partners. Jefferson Land Trust aims to protect these historical working farms, threatened salmonid spawning
habitat, and open space values through conservation easements funded by RCO, Conservation Futures, and
the Navy REPI program.
RCW 79A.15.110
Review of proposed project application.
State or local agencies or nonprofit nature conservancies shall review the proposed project application and confer with
the county or city with jurisdiction over the project area prior to applying for funds for the acquisition of property under
this chapter. The appropriate county or city legislative authority may, at its discretion, submit a letter to the board
identifying the authority's position with regard to the acquisition project. The board shall make the letters received
under this section available to the governor and the legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted under this
chapter.
RCW 79A.15.010
"Confer" means a dialogue between project sponsors and local county and city officials with the purpose of early review
of potential projects. The dialogue may include any matter relevant to a particular project, which may include but need
not be limited to: Project purpose and scope; project elements; estimated project cost; costs and benefits to the
community; plans for project management and maintenance; and public access.
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JEFFERSON LAND TRUST
LAND
TRUST
April 14, 2022
Subject
Helping the community preserve open space, working lands and habitat forever
1033 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend WA 98368
360.379.9501 info@saveland.org www.saveland.org
Notice of Property Acquisition in Port Townsend and Jefferson County
RCO Grant Application #22-1415
Dear Honorable Commissioner Dean,
I am writing to inform you that Jefferson Land Trust is applying for a grant through the Washington
Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Urban Wildlife Habitat account to acquire property located in
Port Townsend, and adjacent rural Jefferson County. If awarded, this grant funding would allow
acquisition of over 40 additional acres within the identified Quimper Wildlife Corridor. These
acquisitions will preserve additional high priority parcels identified in the 3.5 miles QWC greenbelt
project located in Port Townsend; preserve wetlands that serve as stormwater retention and wildlife
habitat; and protect trail corridors identified as priority in the City's Resolution 09-034.
State law, RCW 79A.15.110, requires that we notify the local legislative body of our intent to apply for a
state grant to acquire real property from the WWRP, administered by the Recreation and Conservation
Office (RCO). This letter is your notification. The law states that the local legislative authority may, at its
discretion, submit a letter to the RCO identifying its position with regard to the acquisition project. As
you likely know, Jefferson Land Trust has been collaborating with the City of Port Townsend and
Jefferson County around the Quimper Wildlife Corridor protection since the early 1990s. This grant
application in 2022 is Jefferson Land Trust taking another step in the long-term ongoing efforts to
provide a permanent natural area for habitat and recreation. If you choose to send a letter to RCO, they
will be made available to the governor and the state legislature when the prioritized project list is
submitted as part of the RCO's capital budget request. A supporting letter from you could make a big
impact on the success of our RCO application for protecting more of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor that
our community benefits from.
The law also states that we must confer with local officials on this acquisition. To meet grant program
deadlines, we must complete this conferral process prior to August 5, 2020. Jefferson Land Trust staff is
happy to arrange online conference meetings (to follow the Governor's current Stay Home, Stay Safe
order) or to present at the Board of County Commissioner's weekly meeting to discuss the goals of the
this project and any questions or recommendations you may have.
Enclosed is our application's project description, location map, and a map of potential parcels for the
proposed project. The geographic envelope of this proposed multi -site acquisition project is also
enclosed.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information about this acquisition
proposal. I am working remotely due to the Governor's Stay Home order, so I can be reached at my cell
phone (360)643-0570 or sspaeth@saveland.org.
Sincerely,
_ C .F k_
Sarah Spaeth, Director of Conservation and Strategic Partnerships
For reference:
Quimper Wildlife Corridor Additions Protect Description
Jefferson Land Trust is applying for acquisition funds for the Quimper Wildlife Corridor (QWC), located in
Port Townsend, Jefferson County. The City, Jefferson County, the Land Trust and the community have
worked since the mid 1990's to protect a 3.5 mile greenbelt of native forest and a series of palustrine
wetlands stretching across the N. Quimper Peninsula, following the City's largest drainage basin.
Historic platting from the 1880's divided most of this land into 50x100 ft lots. To date, the partners have
permanently preserved over 137 acres that provide habitat for over 130 bird species, includings Pileated
woodpecker, bald and golden eagles, amphibians, mountain beaver, bobcat, cougar, deer, elk and other
wildlife. A beloved and extensive network of trails and undeveloped City and County right -of ways
through the QWC provide access to community members and visitors for hiking, horse riding, biking,
connecting neighborhoods, bird watching, school nature programs and educational activities. Recent
outreach to remaining priority private owners resulted in over 40 positive responses for sale of missing
links within the QWC. Funding for this effort will allow us to acquire and permanently preserve many of
these important habitats connecting and trail buffer parcels. Working with our City partners, it will also
support an update of our shared management plan and an inventory of rare old growth trees scattered
within the forest that hint of remnant prairie habitat.
RCW 79A.15.110
Review of proposed project application.
State or local agencies or nonprofit nature conservancies shall review the proposed project application
and confer with the county or city with jurisdiction over the project area prior to applying for funds for
the acquisition of property under this chapter. The appropriate county or city legislative authority may,
at its discretion, submit a letter to the board identifying the authority's position with regard to the
acquisition project. The board shall make the letters received under this section available to the governor
and the legislature when the prioritized project list is submitted under this chapter.
RCW 79A.15.010
"Confer" means a dialogue between project sponsors and local county and city officials with the purpose
of early review of potential projects. The dialogue may include any matter relevant to a particular
project, which may include but need not be limited to: Project purpose and scope; project elements,
estimated project cost, costs and benefits to the community, plans for project management and
maintenance, and public access.
2